Regional Manager

About Us

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is an education charity that exists to empower and support young people who are living in complex and challenging circumstances. By fostering an environment of genuine acceptance and through the use of physical activity, group sessions and one-to-one support sessions, SOHK enables people to find meaning and purpose to life. All of SOHK's activities are underpinned by an evidence-based sport for development framework called the 5Cs.

Overview

Exclusion from education happens when a child is suspended from school (temporarily or permanently) but it also happens when they are sent out of the class, put into an isolation room, or even wander around corridors doing all they can to avoid going to their lessons! With 32 million ‘learning days’ lost in 22/23 (up from 19 million, pre covid) this is serious societal problem with devastating lifelong consequences for young people – especially those from poorer backgrounds. SOHK is on a mission to help children experiencing exclusion, change their life trajectory.

With teams in England, Scotland and Wales, working with hundreds of ‘at risk’ students, we are looking to appoint a Regional Manager in South East Wales who will be responsible for overseeing the effective delivery of our programme in Wales. The successful candidate will ensure the alignment of delivery with our organisational goals and standards, line manage and support team members and maintain strong relationships with schools and other stakeholders. They will play a key role in monitoring outcomes, reporting progress, and driving growth to ensure the programme’s success.

A key element of this brand-new role is school retention and sales, ensuring that schools continue to engage with and invest in SOHK programmes. The Regional Manager will also be expected to grow the SOHK network in Wales and attending networking and fundraising functions as required. SOHK has ambitious plans to grow in Wales over the next 5 years with the Regional Manager playing a vital part in delivering this vision.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead and manage the Schools Facilitator, Rugby Coach, and SEL Lead to ensure effective programme delivery.
• Hold regular team meetings to track progress, resolve issues, and drive improvements.

Programme Delivery Oversight

• Serve as the main contact for partner schools, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
• Oversee team performance and ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across all programme elements
• Align delivery with school and student needs.

Schools Retention & Sales

• Maintain strong school relationships to support satisfaction and long-term engagement.
• Address school concerns proactively to improve retention.
• Assist in attracting new schools by promoting the programme’s impact.
• Support proposal development and agreement finalisation with potential partners.
• Track retention and sales to contribute to regional growth.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

• Assist in collecting and submitting accurate M&E data in collaboration with the Evidence & Impact Manager.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide regular updates to the Director of Programmes on delivery, relationships, and impact.
• Participate in internal and external meetings.
• Submit termly reports on schedule.

Team Development

• Coach and support team members through regular 1:1s and check-ins.
• Lead onboarding and training for new staff.
• Conduct performance reviews in line with PDR processes.
• Promote a collaborative, supportive team culture.

Delivery

• Deliver programme sessions two days per week alongside the delivery team.

Growing SOHK Wales

• Play a key role in strengthening and expanding the SOHK programme across Wales.
• Support the Director of Programmes in developing strategic partnerships with Welsh schools and local authorities.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising Team to identify funding opportunities thar align with Welsh education priorities.
• Represent SOHK at events and networking opportunities across Wales to raise the charity’s profile.
• Provide insight into regional needs and ensure that the programme offering is tailored to the Welsh education landscape.
• Actively contribute to planning and executing expansion strategies to increase reach and impact across the country.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience working in the charity or education sector (desirable).
• Proven team and performance management experience.
• Background in delivering educational interventions.
• Experience working with young people ages 11-16.
• Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement.
• Confident in promoting and selling programmes to external partners.
• Skilled in delivering sessions to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with data collection tools and software (desirable).
• Understanding of the Welsh education system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Safeguarding qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Budget management experience (desirable).
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Full UK driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

Person Specification

• Passionate about sport, education and social inclusion.
• Driven and committed to delivering SOHK’s strategic goals.
• Able to provide constructive challenge when needed.
• A confident and clear communicator.
• Highly organises with strong attention to detail.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and improving processes.
• Growth mindset with a proactive, can-do attitude.
• Energetic, motivational and positive role model.
• Committed to achieving and exceeding programme targets.

Terms of Appointment

• This will be a fulltime, permanent contract, commencing in July 2025.
• The salary will be £38,880 per annum.
• Generous paid leave allowance of 28 days plus additional days awarded with service.
• SOHK offers flexible working schedules to staff where possible.
• You are required to attend our annual 3 day staff conference in August.
• Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for successful candidates and the job is dependent on suitable references.